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Obama hypes up Seattle crowd with mentions of gay marriage

By JENNIFER EPSTEIN

05/10/2012 06:54 PM EDT

SEATTLE -- President Obama gently alluded to his new public support of gay marriage while speaking to supporters here Thursday.

"We're not turning back the clock. We're not returning to the days when you can be kicked out of the United States military because of who you are or who you love. We are moving forward to a country where every American is treated with dignity and respect," he told a crowd of 2,000 gathered for a fundraiser at the Paramount Theater, making his first public comments on gay rights since his Wednesday interview announcing his support of gay marriage.

"And here in Washington you'll have a chance to make your voice heard on the issue of making sure that everybody, regardless of sexual orientation is treated fairly," he added to rapturous cheers that drowned out his words. Voters in the state are expected to go to the polls in November on a ballot measure challenging a gay marriage law set to take effect in June.

Obama also drew big cheers when, at the end of a line about economic fairness, he said that all Americans should have opportunities regardless of who they love.

“If you are willing to work hard you should be able to find a good job. If you're meeting your responsibilities, you should be able to own a home, maybe start a business. You should be able to give your kids the chance to do even better than you, no matter who you are, no matter where you come from, no matter what you look like, no matter your last name, no matter who you love.”